Anti-theft vehicle system

ABSTRACT

An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes at least one inhibitor disposed within the vehicle wheel to selectively engage and disengage the vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel about its rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includes rotatable structure disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating with the at least one inhibitor for moving the at least one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the vehicle wheel. The anti-theft vehicle system further includes a receiver operatively associated with the vehicle wheel to receive a predetermined signal to activate the rotatable structure to move the at least one inhibitor between the engaged position and disengaged position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/139,180, filedAug. 24, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,927, which is a continuation ofU.S. Ser. No. 08/637,241, filed Apr. 24, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No.5,831,530, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application U.S. Ser. No.08/366,886, filed Dec. 30, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,144.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to vehicles and, moreparticularly, to an are bounded vehicle system used to inhibit rotationof a vehicle wheel outside a predetermined spatial perimeter to mitigatethe theft of vehicles or limit the travel thereof to within a specificboundary.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is sometimes desired to contain a vehicle within a predeterminedspatial boundary or perimeter. In particular, retail stores areattempting to reduce the amount of lost vehicles such as shopping carts,which are either stolen or taken out of the normal bounds of the storesand not returned.

Accordingly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,844 to Zelda discloses a vehicle theftprevention system which inhibits the use of a shopping cart once it ismoved outside a boundary. This patented system includes an electronicwire that extends around and defines a perimeter of normal operatingspace which is used by operators of a store's shopping carts. Theelectronic wire produces an electromagnetic field which is sensed by asensor located adjacent one wheel of the shopping cart. The sensor sendsa signal to a motor which moves a brake pad against the wheel of theshopping cart. Two limit switches are used to stop the motor when themotor has either moved the brake pad into or out of engagement with thewheel of the shopping cart.

One disadvantage of the above system is that it is relatively expensivebecause the motor must be large and two limit switches are needed.Another disadvantage of the above system is that an asymmetrictime-variant wave form is used for the electromagnetic field which isundesired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide ananti-theft vehicle system for vehicles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an anti-theftvehicle system for vehicles such as shopping carts, toys, wheeledinventory, and industrial forklifts.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide ananti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel to prevent an operatorfrom moving the vehicle outside a predetermined spatial perimeter.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide ananti-theft vehicle system for a shopping cart wheel which is inexpensiveand effective at making it difficult for an operator to move theshopping cart out of a predetermined operating area of a retail store.

To achieve the foregoing objects, the present invention is an anti-theftvehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis. Theanti-theft vehicle system includes at least one inhibitor disposedwithin the vehicle wheel to selectively engage and disengage the vehiclewheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel aboutits rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system also includesrotatable means disposed within the vehicle wheel and cooperating withthe inhibitor for moving the inhibitor between an engaged position and adisengaged position with the vehicle wheel. The anti-theft vehiclesystem further includes a receiver operatively associated with thevehicle wheel to receive a predetermined signal to actuate the rotatablemeans to move the at least one inhibitor between the engaged positionand disengaged position.

One advantage of the present invention is that an anti-theft vehiclesystem is provided for vehicles such as shopping carts, toys, wheeledinventory, and industrial forklifts. Another advantage of the presentinvention is that the anti-theft vehicle system provides a vehicle wheelwhich deters an operator from moving the vehicle outside a predeterminedspatial perimeter. Yet another advantage of the present invention isthat the anti-theft vehicle system provides a cost effective vehiclewheel to deter operators from taking shopping carts out of a retailstore's shopping cart boundary by preventing the vehicle wheel fromrotating. Still another advantage of the present invention is that theanti-theft vehicle system provides a one-piece brake, springs andcomponent mounting area for the vehicle wheel. A further advantage ofthe present invention is that the anti-theft vehicle system isself-energizing in both directions. Yet a further advantage of thepresent invention is that the anti-theft vehicle system provides alinkage overrun for position lock of the vehicle wheel. Still a furtheradvantage of the present invention is that the anti-theft vehicle systemchanges the angle of a thrust arm to maximize brake linkage efficiency.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will bereadily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after readingthe subsequent description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a anti-theft vehicle system, accordingto the present invention, illustrated in operational relationship withvehicles and a predetermined spatial perimeter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle and the anti-theft vehiclesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a wheel of the vehicle and the anti-theftvehicle system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5—5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a control circuit of the anti-theftvehicle system of FIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a transmitting circuit, according to thepresent invention, of the anti-theft vehicle system of FIGS. 1 through3.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a control circuit,according to the present invention, of the anti-theft vehicle system ofFIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment, according to thepresent invention, of the transmitting circuit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a block view of an alternative embodiment, according to thepresent invention, of a multiple antenna driver.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an anti-theft vehicle system 10,according to the present invention, is shown in operational relationshipwith vehicles inside a predetermined spatial boundary. In oneembodiment, the system 10 is used to prevent theft of vehicles such asshopping carts 22 from a predetermined spatial boundary or perimeter 11a of a retail store 11 b. It should be appreciated that the system 10may be used on other vehicles such as toys, wheeled inventory,industrial forklifts to prevent the same from exiting a predeterminedspatial boundary.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5, the system 10 includes at least onewheel 12 for the vehicle embodiment of a shopping cart 22. The wheel 12has an inner diameter 14 and an outer diameter 16 and a rotational axisA about which the wheel 12 rotates. The wheel 12 also has a housing orhub 18 and a surface engaging member 20. The surface engaging member 20is made of a suitable material such as a plastic material. Preferably,the plastic material is a urethane material. The hub 18 may befabricated from the same material as the surface engaging member 20.Preferably, the hub 18 is made of a plastic material such as ABS andsecured to the surface engaging member 20.

The system 10 also includes at least one inhibitor 24 disposed withinthe wheel 12 to selectively engage the wheel 12 and prevent the wheel 12from rotating about its rotational axis A. The inhibitor 24 is a partialcylindrical shaped brake pad which is forced against the inner diameter14 or hub 18 of the wheel 12. In one embodiment, a second inhibitor 26is disposed within the wheel 12 to selectively engage another portion ofthe hub 18 of the wheel 12. The second inhibitor 26 is also a partialcylindrical shaped brake pad which is forced against the inner diameter14 of the wheel 12. The inhibitors 24, 26 are integral and made ofone-piece. The inhibitors 24, 26 are fabricated from a plastic material,such as a glass reinforced nylon material, which has a memory quality tomaintain the shape of the inhibitors 24, 26. The inhibitors 24, 26 havea spring 27 a connected to an extension 27 b which acts as a componentmounting area. The memory quality of the plastic material for thesprings 27 a creates a spring-like force predisposing the inhibitors 24,26 to disengage the wheel 12. It should be appreciated that theinhibitors 24, 26, springs 27 a and extension 27 b are fabricated asone-piece from the same material.

The system 10 further includes an axle pin or shaft 28 which acts as therotational axis A for the wheel 12. The shaft 28 is made of a metalmaterial such as steel. The system 10 also includes two waterproofbearings 30 and yoke lock plates 32 supported by the shaft 28. The yokelock plates 32 have internal notches 33 which engage an axle 34 andprevent the axle 34, which rides along the shaft 28, from rotating. Theyoke lock plates 32 also include tabs 36 which prevent the waterproofbearings 30 from rotating.

The system 10 includes an axle arm 38 securely mounted such as bywelding about the axle 34. The axle arm 34 is a plate made of a metalmaterial such as steel. The extension 27 b is connected to the axle arm38 by suitable means such as an adhesive. The system 10 also includes amotor 40 such as an electric motor mounted to the extension 27 b of theinhibitors 24, 26 between the rotational axis A and the inner diameter14. The motor 40 provides rotational movement independent of themovement of the wheel 12 along an axis defined by a motor shaft 42. Themotor 40 receives power from a power source such as a battery 43 whichis electrically connected to both the motor 40 and a wheel controller 72to be described. It should be appreciated that the battery 43 isattached to the extension 27 b of the inhibitors 24, 26 by suitablemeans.

The system 10 further includes a screw or worm gear 44 rotated by themotor 40 through a gear drive 46. The gear drive 46 allows the motor 40to be placed along side the worm gear 44, conserving space, and reducesthe rotational speed of the worm gear 44. More specifically, the geardrive 46 includes a first gear 48 and a second gear 50 such that thesecond gear 50 has a larger diameter than the first gear 48. The firstgear 48 is secured to the motor shaft 42 and rotates at a faster ratethan the second gear 50 which is driven by the first gear 48. It shouldbe appreciated that the gear drive 46 may use any number of gears andgear sizes depending on the size and motor speed requirements.

The system 10 also includes a drive arm or lever 52 connected to theaxle arm 38. The lever 52 has a pivotal end 54 and a gear engaging end56. The gear engaging end 56 receives the worm gear 44 and moves alongthe worm gear 44 as the worm gear 44 is rotated. The gear engaging end56 includes a nut 58 for receiving the worm gear 44 therein and ridesalong the worm gear 44 as the nut 58 receives the threads 60 of the wormgear 44.

The lever 52 pivots about a pivot end 54 which is pivotally secured tothe axle arm 38. When the lever 52 pivots about the pivot end 54, theinhibitors 24, 26 and the wheel 12 engage to prevent the rotationalmovement of the wheel 12. If, however, the inhibitors 24, 26 are alreadyengaging the wheel 12, the motor 40 will reverse to pivot the lever 52back toward the motor 40 to disengage the inhibitors 24, 26 from thewheel 12, allowing the wheel 12 to rotate along with the other wheels ofthe shopping cart 22.

The system 10 also includes a linkage, generally indicated at 62, toconnect the inhibitors 24, 26 to the lever 52. The linkage 62 isconnected to the lever 52 between the pivotal end 54 and the gearengaging end 56. The linkage 62 includes a first thrust arm or link 64and a second thrust arm or link 66 which are pivotally moveable withrespect to each other. The first and second links 64 and 66 arepivotally secured to each of the first and second inhibitors, 24 and 26,respectively.

The linkage 62 further includes a transfer arm or principle link 68which is pivotally secured to the first and second links 64 and 66 andthe lever 52. The movement allowed by the principle link 68 forces thefirst and second links 64 and 66 to move in opposite directions. Whenthe two links 64, 66 move in opposite directions, the first and secondinhibitors 24, 26 move in opposite directions, either into engagement ordisengagement with the hub 18 of the wheel 12. Although not necessary,the first and second links 64 and 66 are identical in shape and move notonly in opposite directions but with equal magnitude. Further, the costof the system 10 is further reduced by having the first, second andprinciple links 64, 66 and 68 fabricated to the same shape and size.This reduces the cost of the system 10 further by reducing parts.

Referring to FIG. 6, the anti-theft vehicle system 10 includes areceiver or control circuit, generally shown at 69, for the system 10.The control circuit 69 is a circuit board overlay which is disposedwithin the hub 18 of the wheel 12. The control circuit 69 receives apredetermined perimeter signal to activate the motor 40 to move theinhibitors 24, 26 such that the inhibitors 24, 26 either engage ordisengage the wheel 12. Preferably, the control circuit 69 includes anantenna 70 which receives the predetermined perimeter signal such as anRF signal created by a signal generator 74 to be described.

The control circuit 69 also includes a wheel controller 72 whichreceives the predetermined perimeter signal from the antenna 70 and iselectrically connected between the antenna 70 and the motor 40. Thewheel controller 72 selectively activates the motor 40 based on thecoded predetermined perimeter signal received from the antenna 70. Thepredetermined perimeter signal is created by a signal generator 74 andburied wire cable 76 to be described and illustrated in FIG. 1.

The wheel controller 72 includes a tuned receiver 78 which receives thepredetermined perimeter signal from the antenna 70. The wheel controller72 also includes a tone decoder 80 which receives the predeterminedperimeter signal from the tuned receiver 78. The tuned receiver 78amplifies the predetermined perimeter signal and sends it to the tonedecoder 80 for decoding. The wheel controller 72 also includes a flipflop retrieval deactivation circuit 82 and a motor controller timer 84.The flip flop retrieval deactivation circuit 82 receives thepredetermined perimeter signal once it has been decoded and determineswhich direction the motor 40 is to rotate the motor shaft 42. The flipflop retrieval deactivation circuit 82 signals the motor controllertimer 84 to operate the motor 40 dependent upon the signal received bythe flip flop retrieval deactivation circuit 82 and the tone decoder 80.The wheel controller 72 includes a master timer 86 which receives inputfrom a rotation sensor 88 such as a magnet.

For example, the shopping cart 22 passes over the buried wire cable 76to signify that the shopping cart 22 has passed either into or out ofthe predetermined spatial perimeter 119 defined by the buried wire cable76. The flip flop retrieval deactivation circuit 82 receives thepredetermined perimeter signal from the tuned receiver 78 stating thelocation of the shopping cart 22 has changed. The flip flop retrievaldeactivation circuit 82 then determines whether the shopping cart 22 wasinside or outside the buried wire cable 76 by determining whether thewheel 12 was rotating. From the rotation sensor 88, determination of therotation of the wheel 12 will determine whether the shopping cart 22 wasinside or outside of the buried wire cable 76. If the rotation sensor 88produces no signal, the wheel 12 is not rotating and is already locked.Therefore, receiving a signal from the tuned receiver 78 will indicatethat the shopping cart 22 has passed back over the predetermined spatialperimeter 11 a and into the allowed area for the shopping cart 22 tooperate. The rotational state of the wheel 12 goes from a non-rotatingstate to a rotating state. If, however, the flip flop retrievaldeactivation circuit 82 receives a signal from the tuned receiver 78when the rotation sensor 88 is sending a signal indicating that thewheel 12 is rotating, it will be determined that the shopping cart 22has moved to a location outside of the predetermined spatial perimeterdefined by the buried wire cable 76. As a result, the motor 40 will beactivated such that the inhibitors 24, 26 will abut the wheel hub 18preventing the wheel 12 from rotating. Thus, the rotational state of thewheel 12 has gone from a rotating state to a non-rotating state.

The signal generator 74, shown in FIG. 1, generates a square wave outputhaving a low frequency cycle between 60 Hz and 1 kHz which is sent alongthe buried wire cable 76 and defines the predetermined spatial perimeter11 a. As a result, the shopping cart 22 may operate inside the areadefined by the predetermined spatial perimeter 11 a. It should beappreciated that the signal generator 74 may be any type of signalgenerator suitable to produce a signal which will pass along the entirelength of the buried wire cable 76.

Referring to FIG. 7, one embodiment of a transmitting circuit 114,according to the present invention, is shown for the anti-theft vehiclesystem 10. The transmitting circuit 114 generates a predeterminedperimeter signal of magnetic flux, graphically represented by line 116,defining the predetermined spatial perimeter 11 a of an area such as aparking lot of a retail store 11 b. The transmitting circuit 114includes an oscillator 118 for creating a carrier signal defining acarrier frequency at a fundamental frequency less than nine kilohertz(9.0 kHz). Preferably, the carrier signal is defined by a square wave.It should be appreciated that the square wave at a carrier frequencyless than nine kilohertz (9.0 kHz) may have harmonics which are greaterthan nine kilohertz (9.0 kHz).

The transmitting circuit 114 also includes a low pass filter 120 whichreceives the carrier frequency created by the oscillator 118. The lowpass filter 120 eliminates all carrier harmonics other than thefundamental harmonic created by the signal defined by the carrierfrequency which results in a sine wave. In another embodiment, the lowpass filter 120 may be designed to allow the carrier harmonics otherthan the fundamental harmonic to pass therethrough and be received by areceiving circuit 122 to be described. It should be appreciated that thelow pass filter 120, which allows lower carrier harmonics to passtherethrough, permits a control circuit 122 to be described to coupleand decode the lower carrier frequencies at one of the harmonics of thefundamental carrier harmonic. As a result, smaller electroniccomponentry can be used which allows for a more inexpensive receivingcircuit 114 occupying less space.

The transmitting circuit 114 includes an address set switch 124 toidentify the transmitting circuit 114. The address set switch 124couples the transmitting circuit 114 with each control circuit 122 to bedescribed which may be utilized by the anti-theft vehicle system 10. Theaddress set switch 124 includes, in one embodiment, eight individualswitches 126 which are preset by the operator of the anti-theft vehiclesystem 10 to insure the proper operation thereof. The transmittingcircuit 114 also includes an encoder 128 which receives the output ofthe address set switch 124. The encoder 128 is a digital encoder thatestablishes the address and engage (or disengage) command to betransmitted by the signal.

The transmitting circuit 114 further includes a modulator 130 andamplifier 131 which receives the output of the low pass filter 120 andthe encoder 128. The modulator 130 allows the digital encoder 128 tomodulate the signal received by the low pass filter 120. The amplifier131 amplifies the signal received by the modulator 130. The transmittingcircuit 114 also includes a low impedance transmitter 132. Thetransmitter 132 transmits the predetermined perimeter signal 116. In oneembodiment, the amplifier 131 is the transmitter which is also theantenna. In one embodiment, the transmitter 132 is a closed circuit orantenna of conducting material which surrounds an area such as theparking lot and defines the predetermined spatial perimeter 11 a for theshopping carts 22 to be contained within. It should be appreciated thatthe amplifier 131 must be able to provide enough current to drive thelow impedance transmitter 132.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the transmitting circuit 114is shown. Like primed numerals represent similar elements to that of thetransmitting circuit 114 shown in FIG. 7. The transmitting circuit 114′includes a remotely transportable or hand-held transmitter 132′ fortransmitting the predetermined perimeter signal having the same carrierfrequency discussed above. The transmitting circuit 114′ is used onindividual shopping carts 22 to either lock or unlock the inhibitor 24with the wheel 12 depending on the location of the shopping cart 22. Byway of example, if the shopping cart 22 is located out beyond thepredetermined spatial perimeter 11 a, the anti-theft vehicle system 10will have locked the wheel 12 preventing the rotation thereof. Theremotely transportable transmitter 132′ can be transported to theshopping cart 22 to unlock the wheel 12 so that the shopping cart 22 maybe pushed back within the predetermined spatial perimeter 11 a.

Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment 122, according to the presentinvention, of the control circuit 69 is shown and receives thepredetermined perimeter signal 116. The control circuit 122 is a nearfield resonant receiver that detects and eventually decodes a pulsemodulated magnetic field. Upon receiving the predetermined perimetersignal 116, the receiving circuit 122 sends a signal to activate themotor 40 to move the inhibitor 24 to engage or disengage the wheel 12.It should be appreciated that the control circuit 122 is disposed withinthe hub 18 of the wheel 12.

The control circuit 122 includes a resonant tank circuit 138 whicheliminates reception by the control circuit 122 of all frequencies otherthan the frequency of the predetermined perimeter signal 116. Theresonant tank circuit 138 is tuned to the specific harmonic, fundamentalor otherwise, transmitted by the transmitting circuit 114. The resonanttank circuit 138 allows for the detection of the predetermined perimetersignal 116 without having to provide any radio frequency (RF) gain. Theresonant tank circuit 138 includes a capacitor and an inductor (neithershown) connected in parallel. It should be appreciated other elementsmay be used to favor the predetermined perimeter space frequencies to bereceived. It should also be appreciated that the shopping cart 22 isused as an antenna to receive the predetermined perimeter signaltransmitted by the transmitting circuit 114,114′ and preventelectromagnetically isolating the wheel 12 to bypass the anti-theftvehicle system 10.

The control circuit 122 also includes a gain stage circuit 140electrically connected to the resonant tank circuit 138 and amplifiesthe predetermined perimeter signal 116 after the predetermined perimetersignal 116 has been received by the resonant tank circuit 138. The gainstage circuit 140 may be a simplified circuit because it is onlyreceiving one harmonic of an oscillating signal due to the tuning of theresonant tank circuit 138. The gain stage circuit 140 amplifies thepredetermined perimeter signal 116 by a predetermined amount such ofnineteen decibels (19 db). The gain stage circuit 140 is configured as alinear mode amplifier that draws a predetermined current such as fivemicroamps (5.0 μA).

The control circuit 122 further includes a detector 142 which iselectrically connected to the gain stage circuit 140. The detector 142receives the predetermined perimeter signal 116 without the unwantedharmonics which are not received due to the specific tuning of theresonant tank circuit 138.

The control circuit 122 includes a post detection amplifier 143 for postdetection gain. The post detection amplifier 143 is direct current (DC)coupled to the detector 142 to provide a ground source to an invertedinput of a final gain stage to be described. This DC ground path causesthe gain stage circuit 140 to invert the ground or zero potential signalto a maximum positive voltage signal. The positive voltage signal isthen DC coupled to the post detection amplifier 143 which, in turn,inverts it again, back to a zero potential, prior to sending it to adecoder 148 to be described.

The control circuit 122 also includes an address set switch 144 similarto that of the transmitting circuit 114. The address set switch 144includes a plurality of individual switches 146 which are set to aspecific code or combination to match the individual switches 126 of thetransmitting circuit 114.

The control circuit 122 includes a decoder 148 which is maintained in astandby mode when the potential signal is zero. When the potentialsignal is high, the decoder 148 matches the predetermined perimetersignal 116 from the post detection amplifier with that of thepredetermined perimeter signal 116 created by the address set switch 144to determine whether the signal is from the transmitting circuit 114. Inone embodiment, the decoder 148 checks the predetermined perimetersignal 116 three times. If the decoder 148 determines that it hasreceived a valid signal from the transmitting circuit 114, the decoder148 then determines whether the wheel 12 is to be locked or unlocked.

The control circuit 122 includes a latch 157 to reset the decoder 148 toprevent redundant lock and unlock actuations. The latch 157 receives asignal from the decoder 148. The latch 157 is a flip flop which willallow a lock signal to pass to a lock drive timer 150 only if theimmediately preceding signal was not a lock signal. This preventsredundant lock signals unnecessarily reducing the battery potential.Likewise, the latch 157 will prevent an unlock signal from passing to anunlock drive 156 if it was immediately preceded by an unlock signal. Thelatch 157 prevents signals resulting from the resonant tank circuit 138being physically close to the antenna 76. The latch 157 includes threeCMOS transistors (none shown).

The anti-theft vehicle system 10 further includes a stall detectingcircuit 158 which detects when the motor 40 stops the rotationalmovement. The stall detect circuit 158 will override the signal sent bythe decoder 148 and prematurely terminate the rotation of the motor 40by the lock drive 152 or the unlock drive 156. The stall detectingcircuit 158 determines when the inhibitor 24 is in its fully retractedposition or its fully extended position against the wheel 12.

Referring to FIG. 20, the transmitter is generally indicated at 200. Thetransmitter 200 is shown having an amplifier 202. The output of theamplifier 202 is sent along a plurality of antenna branches 204. Theseantenna branches 204 may be configured in a manner suitable for thespace about which the antenna branches 204 need to surround. The levelof signal output is controlled by a potentiometer 206.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. Itis to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intendedto be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of theappended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehiclecomprising: at least one inhibitor operatively associated with thevehicle to resist and allow movement of the vehicle; a receiving circuitoperatively associated with the vehicle to receive a predeterminedsquare wave signal having a frequency of less than nine kilohertz toactivate and move said at least one inhibitor; and at least onetransmitter for transmitting the predetermined signal to define apredetermined spatial perimeter.
 2. An anti-theft vehicle system as setforth in claim 1 including a structure operatively associated with thevehicle and cooperating with said at least one inhibitor for moving saidat least one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengagedposition.
 3. An anti-theft vehicle system as set forth in claim 2wherein said structure is rotatable.
 4. An anti-theft vehicle system asset forth in claim 1 including a remotely transportable transmitter fortransmitting the predetermined signal.
 5. An anti-theft vehicle systemfor a vehicle comprising: at least one vehicle wheel; a structureoperatively associated with said at least one vehicle wheel for movingbetween an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect tosaid at least one vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movementof said at least one vehicle wheel; a receiving circuit operativelyassociated with said at least one vehicle wheel to receive apredetermined signal having a frequency of less than nine kilohertz toactivate and move said structure between said engaged position and saiddisengaged position; and a remotely transportable transmitter fortransmitting the predetermined signal.
 6. An anti-theft vehicle systemas set forth in claim 5 wherein said remotely transportable transmitteris hand-held.
 7. An anti-theft vehicle system as set forth in claim 5including at least one signal generator to generate the predeterminedsignal to define a predetermined spatial perimeter.
 8. An anti-theftsystem for a shopping cart comprising: at least one vehicle wheel; atleast one inhibitor operatively associated with said at least onevehicle wheel to engage and disengage said at least one vehicle wheel toresist and allow rotational movement of said at least one vehicle wheel;a structure operatively associated with said at least one vehicle wheeland cooperating with said at least one inhibitor for moving said atleast one inhibitor between an engaged position and a disengagedposition with respect to said at least one vehicle wheel; a receivingcircuit operatively associated with said at least one vehicle wheel toreceive a predetermined signal to activate said structure to move saidat least one inhibitor between said engaged position and said disengagedposition; and a remotely transportable transmitter for transmitting thepredetermined signal having a frequency of less than nine kilohertz. 9.An anti-theft vehicle system as set forth in claim 8 wherein saidremotely transportable transmitter is hand-held.
 10. An anti-theftsystem for a shopping cart comprising: at least one inhibitoroperatively associated with the shopping cart to resist and allowmovement of the shopping cart; a receiving circuit operativelyassociated with the shopping cart to receive a predetermined square wavesignal having a frequency of less than nine kilohertz to activate saidat least one inhibitor; and at least one transmitter to generate saidpredetermined signal to define a predetermined spatial perimeter.
 11. Ananti-theft system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said at least onetransmitter comprises a signal generator and a buried wire cable.
 12. Ananti-theft system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said at least onetransmitter includes an address set switch to identify said at least onetransmitter.
 13. An anti-theft system as set forth in claim 10 includinga remotely transportable transmitter for transmitting said predeterminedsignal.
 14. An anti-theft system as set forth in claim 13 wherein saidremotely transportable transmitter is hand-held.
 15. An anti-theftsystem for a shopping cart comprising: at least one inhibitoroperatively associated with the shopping cart to resist and allowmovement of the shopping cart; a receiver operatively associated withthe shopping cart to receive a predetermined signal having a frequencyof less than nine kilohertz to activate said at least one inhibitor; anda hand-held transmitter for transmitting said predetermined signal. 16.An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle comprising: at least oneinhibitor operatively associated with the vehicle to resist and allowmovement of the vehicle; a receiving circuit operatively associated withthe vehicle to receive a predetermined signal having a frequency of lessthan nine kilohertz to activate and move said at least one inhibitor;and a remotely transportable transmitter for transmitting thepredetermined signal.
 17. An anti-theft vehicle system as set forth inclaim 16 wherein said remotely transportable transmitter is hand-held.18. An anti-theft vehicle system as set forth in claim 16 including astructure operatively associated with the vehicle and cooperating withsaid at least one inhibitor for moving said at least one inhibitorbetween an engaged position and a disengaged position.